Soft Café was a project that renovated a part of KT’s Gangdong Regional Office to be transformed into a café. Densely populated by commercial properties and office buildings, the area is a typical commercial hub of the region whose day-time hustle and bustle continues well into the night accompanied by brightly-lit neon signs of bars and restaurants. Idea for the project was borne to create a space that offered a temporary sanctuary for those who wished to take a break from frenzied pace of life to chill in a calm environment with a cup of tea. Target market to have in mind for the project was mainly focused on office workers who wanted to grab quick breakfast on their way to work or stop by after lunch for short coffee break before heading back to work and students who wanted a place to study or use the internet. Soft Café embodied the client’s wish for a space that was easily accessible and relatable and offered a sense of serene comfort like in a forest. Project began by first removing layers of finishing material for a section that served as an office space, and design process had to wait until the bare face of the concrete surface was revealed. Birch plywood was chosen as the main finishing material, because its warmth could most effectively complement and contrast the rough concrete surface. Small triangles were drilled out from the panels, and 2 layers of panels were installed with light fixture in between to cast indirect lighting through the holes. The triangular shape was intended to create an effect of lights and shadows reflected on leaves, which successfully realized the design vision of rendering a sense of tranquillity of sunlight being reflected in a forest.